Squats

I came across an article from Healthy Wellbeing, an online article, that mentions a relatively easy exercise that anyone of us can perform.

One of the more fundamental exercises we can do is squats.  No matter our fitness levels, they are simple and effective because they work several muscle groups at the same time.

We use our quads, hamstrings, glutes and calves muscles all at once when we perform them which make it an effective way to build muscle mass and strength in these areas, thus improving our overall fitness.

Our core is made up of a group of muscles at the center of our bodies that includes our abs, lower back and hips.  Squats can help build a stronger and healthy core which helps us maintain good posture.   A strong core is essential for just about our everyday tasks, most especially when lifting heavy objects.  Over time, we build endurance and strength in our core thus stabilizing our bodies and improving our balance.

When our core muscles are stronger, they are more able to support our bodies and as a weight bearing exercise, it helps strengthen our bones and improves bone density, thus reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

Bad posture could strain our muscles and joints, and possibly, it could also cause discomfort and pain.  By strengthening the muscles on our backs, hips and legs, squats promote good posture which is essential for our physical and mental well-being.  In other words, feeling ‘guapo’ despite looking otherwise.

As we advance in age, we slowly lose flexibility, balance and coordination.  Doing squats lessens the effect because we move our bodies to a full range of motion which loosens tight muscles and joints.  With improved flexibility and balance, the risk of falls and injuries is reduced and increases our overall mobility and stability.

A compound exercise, squats burn more calories in less time as compared to isolation exercises.  As muscle mass is built, metabolism is increased which allows us to burn calories even when we’re not working out.

Squats, a high intensity exercise that involves our heart and lungs, boosts our cardiovascular health because it gives increased pumping and breathing to our hearts and lungs.  This helps improve our circulation and improve overall cardiovascular endurance.

As simple and easy as this exercise may be, fitness experts say not to overlook them no matter our fitness levels as squats provide us with a range of benefits like the ones mentioned above.